Who IS the Holy Spirit? Who Does God Say He Is?

Do you struggle to know who the Holy Spirit is and how to hear Him, much less walk with Him?

In Galatians 5, Paul is declaring freedom for those who have given themselves to the truth of Jesus Christ. In the beginning of the book, he goes over the tenets of the faith, declaring that salvation does not come by works but by faith. Then he continues, explaining what a life in Christ looks like. I love how he simply does not mince words. He makes it so clear. There are what we would consider to be "big" sins, but then he also adds in there the stuff we might call "excusable" sin...

"Walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]." Galatians 5:16-25 AMP

Often, we read passages like this and feel pretty good about our Christian life. We agree with what we read, but does this tell us how to actually walk in the Spirit? I believe the answer is yes, IF you are willing to accept that we all need Him...that even though not all sins are equal in earthly consequence, they all equally fall short of the glory of God...and IF you believe Him to be who God says He is.

"Are all sins the same?" by Alisa Childers

Ok fine...well then WHO does God say He is?

Wait...Slow down! I challenge you to stop and truly consider these truths. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to teach what they mean in your life.

As a Christ-follower, the believer is to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, because He -- The Spirit of Jesus -- bears witness to the realities of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the personal, divine third member of the Godhead who convicts the world of sin and its consequences; He brings repentance and faith to the believer; He indwells the believer with the radical life of Jesus Christ; He gives gifts to every believer for mutual service within the body of Christ; He unites each believer in the Body of Christ and seals them in that relationship; He bears the fruit of Christian character in the lives of every believer; He guides, instructs, and empowers the believer for godly living and service. In other words, the Holy Spirit provides every portion of care and direction necessary to walk a believer through the lifelong journey of sanctification, and must be worshipped with the same reverence, attention, and affection as the Father and the Son.

Stay still.

As you listen to this song below, you well know...Ask the Holy Spirit to help you invite Him in His fullness into your life today. Don't make a behavioral modification commitment for the future, like you would a New Year's Resolution. Those generally do not stick.

This morning...do not rush past this opportunity to worship the One who Jesus left to teach us, to sanctify us, making us holy as He is holy so that we can stand before HIM a pure and holy God! Today...this minute...sing to the one who bears witness to the fullness of Jesus Christ who is...

"The radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority]." Hebrews 1:3 AMP

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Jesus is the only way to the Father.

The Spirit is the only way to Jesus.

Be still...right now.

Welcome Him!